Name: Sardine Crostini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces; 1 can (4 ounces) sardines in olive oil, drained; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 clove garlic, halved; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; Additional olive oil for drizzling; Lemon wedges for serving

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Sardine crostini is a simple yet flavorful appetizer that combines crispy toasted bread with a zesty, savory sardine topping. Perfect for entertaining or a quick snack, this recipe is both nutritious and easy to prepare.

Two slices of toasted bread with a golden-brown crust form the base, each topped with small pieces of silver-skinned fish. On top of the fish are small, dark green capers scattered evenly, and fresh green dill sprigs adding a feather-like texture. There are small bright yellow bits sprinkled over everything, giving a pop of color. The toast is on a white plate with a white marbled surface in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
1 can (4 ounces) sardines in olive oil, drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 clove garlic, halved
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil.
Step 3: Bake the bread slices for 5-7 minutes until they are golden and crispy, then set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: In a bowl, combine the sardines, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until chunky but well blended.
Step 5: Rub the cut sides of the garlic clove on the toasted bread to impart flavor.
Step 6: Top each crostini generously with the sardine mixture, garnish with parsley, and drizzle with additional olive oil if desired. Serve with lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, add a thin layer of cream cheese or ricotta under the sardine mixture.
Try using flavored olive oils like chili or garlic for added depth.
Swap parsley for fresh basil or dill for a different herbaceous note.
Make it spicier by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sardine topping.

Storage

Prepare the toasted bread and sardine mixture separately and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble right before serving to keep the bread crisp. Leftover assembled crostini are best eaten immediately, but can be stored briefly and gently reheated in a low oven to refresh the toast.

How to Serve

A thick slice of golden brown toasted bread forms the base layer with a crunchy texture, topped with shiny, silver-skinned small fish fillets mixed with green capers and bits of light pink fish flesh, scattered generously with fresh green dill and tiny yellow zest pieces. The toast sits on a white plate showing a subtle textured pattern, and extra dill and zest pieces are sprinkled around the plate, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh sardines instead of canned?

Yes, but fresh sardines require cleaning and cooking before use. Canning already cooks and preserves them, making canned sardines more convenient for this recipe.

What can I serve with sardine crostini?

They pair well with light salads, olives, or a crisp white wine to balance the rich flavors of the sardines.